Disney, Warner Music Strike Russia Distribution Deal

MOSCOW – Warner Music Russia and Walt Disney have signed a deal under which Warner will exclusively distribute Disney’s music catalog in Russia and in countries that used to be part of the former Soviet Union.

The agreement covers both physical and digital distribution of Disney movie soundtracks.

“We are very happy to obtain a music partner in Russia,” Marina Zhigalova-Ozkan, general director of Disney in the region, said. “This long-awaited contract will allow us to bring to our country a catalog of all soundtracks for Disney’s animated and feature films.”

The deal comes as continuation of the Russian Disney office’s longtime collaboration with local label Gala Records, which became part of Warner Music earlier this year.

“We are especially glad that we also will be distributing [Disney’s] digital catalog, which is the most promising and fast-developing area of the record business,” said Alexander Blinov, Warner Music Russia’s general director. “This is why we are looking with a lot of optimism at this new stage in cooperation with Disney.”

According to Zhigalova-Ozkan, under the deal, Disney will also collaborate with Warner in promoting local music artists. Financial terms weren't disclosed.

Disney opened its Moscow office in 2006. It co-owns local distributor Walt Disney Studios Sony Pictures Releasing, runs the local version of the Disney Channel and produces features for the Russian market.